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Answer: Many STI screenings are covered under private insurance plans and/or Medicaid. If you do not use insurance, the cost of service is determined by your income on a sliding fee scale, meaning the patient responsibility can range from 0-100% of the total bill. You may call us at 440-352-0608 to find out where your income falls on this scale. However, no one is turned away due to inability to pay.

Question: I just found out I’m pregnant and I was trying to see if you guys do ultrasounds or check to see if your baby is healthy ?

Answer: Family Planning Association does not provide ultrasounds. We can write an order for a person to get an ultrasound at another facility but the patient would be responsible to cover the cost. Cost of an ultrasound may vary depending on the provider. Call local OBGYN’s in your area for further information.

If you are interested, FPA has Certified Application Counselors on staff that can assist you in applying for insurance or Medicaid. Because you are pregnant, you qualify for the special enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act that can help cover your prenatal costs. Please call 440-352-0608 (Painesville) or 440-992-5953 (Ashtabula) if you have any additional questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment.

Question: I was just wondering if you check to see if women are fertile? I wanna have kids but having a hard time.

Answer: Family Planning services do not include fertility treatment, but staff may be able to help rule out some medical reasons for difficulties becoming pregnant. It is possible to impact fertility with stress, poor diet or being over/under weight. If there is a history of health issues such as thyroid complications, PCOS, endometriosis, or an untreated sexually transmitted infection – these can all impact a woman’s fertility.

Depending on how long you have been trying to become pregnant, you may want to start with ovulation tracking. This can help you determine the days each month that you are most likely to be ovulating so that you can have sexual contact during those times. There are websites as well as apps for your phone that can help you keep track of your cycle to do this as well. You may also consider purchasing an ovulation tracker over the counter at your local pharmacy.

If you have been trying for more than six months, staff suggest that you make an appointment with an OBGYN that specializes in this treatment. Locally some options include University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic and Lake OBGYN.

Question: Do you have any referrals or links where I can get a free mammogram, with no insurance?

Answer: Women that meet specific age and income guidelines may qualify for no cost mammograms through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Project at the Cuyahoga County Board of Health (1-800-443-2168 or 216-201-2062). Mammogram screening is recommended for woman at average risk starting at age 40. Younger women who are at a higher risk of breast cancer, earlier screening may be recommended. It is also important to conduct regular at home breast exams and any changes in look or feel of the breast needs to be reported to your healthcare provider.

If you are interested in applying for private insurance of Medicaid, FPANEO has Certified Application Counselors on site that can assist you with the enrollment process. Call 440-352-0608 (Painesville) if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.

Question: I just found out my 16 year old daughter is pregnant. I added her to my Medicaid case in May and I’m awaiting to hear if she has been added. I need to get verification of her pregnancy to turn into job and family services. Do I need to make an appointment or can I just walk in ?

Answer: In order to value your time, please call Painesville (440-352-0608) and make an appointment to receive pregnancy verification. We have open availability and should be able to accommodate an appointment to fit the needs of your schedule.

Question: For my first time coming in for birth control pills, will I have to have a pap smear exam if I’m 17 and have never had one done? And will my parents HSA cover the cost of the birth control pills?

Answer: American Cancer Society recommends PAP exams starting at age 21 and because you are age 17, you will unlikely receive a PAP exam during your office visit.

Under the Affordable Care Act, the majority of insurance companies provide birth control pills at either low or no cost to the patient. If your insurance company does not cover the cost of your birth control, or you decide not to use your family insurance, Family Planning offers a sliding fee scale as well as accepts donations.

Question: I have a friend in the area who is transgender but their parents don’t support them, and they don’t have access to employment or transportation. Do you do informed consent hormone therapy?

Answer: Unfortunately, the Family Planning does not offer hormone therapy. Although transportation is a concern, the Pride Clinic located at the Thomas F. McCafferty Health Center in Cleveland 216-957-4905 or more locally, Dr. Weiss, an Endocrinologist in Mentor 440-266-5000 can be helpful resources.

We want to ensure your friend has a place to stay where they feel safe. Thank you for being a such a supportive friend; please do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can offer further assistance.

Answer: Although there may not be an age restriction in the state of Ohio for a woman to seek out a tubal ligation, your insurance company may set restrictions on paying for it. We encourage you to call your health insurance company to receive a more accurate answer.

Answer: Lying in general is extremely dangerous. It may be helpful to explain to your friend that you are concerned about her safety for when loved ones find out. I am unsure on why she feels she needs to lie about something so serious, but it would be beneficial to have a conversation with her to ask why she feels she needs to lie and help her problem solve alternative solutions because the truth will be revealed in nine months.

Question: Hi I went on the depo shot Jan 6 and not sure when I was suppose to get the 2nd shot I think the end of March beginning of April. I had sex on 3/24 and pulled out took a pregnancy test yesterday 4/7 and there is a very light line where the pregnancy line should be.. Was there a slim chance I could have gotten pregnant? He did pull out, but I know there is still that chance, should I wait a few days to test again to see if the line gets darker? I have 3 kids the youngest being only 8 months and freaking out, the whole point in going on the depo I thought I was protected even on that last week before the next was due. Any advice would be appreciated

Answer: The Depo-Provera shot is effective for 12-13 weeks, but no birth control is 100% effective. If your first shot was January 6, that means you would be due for the second shot around March 31, so you should have been protected on the March 24 intercourse. Remember that stress, as well as beginning a new birth control method can affect the timing of your period. If you would like to make an appointment to have a pregnancy test done in our clinic, please call 440-352-0608 (Painesville) or 440-992-5953 (Ashtabula). If you are not pregnant, you should also make sure to get your next shot as soon as possible to prevent future unplanned pregnancies. This can be done without an appointment if you come in during the clinic’s Supply Times which can be found on our website at http://www.fpaneo.org/supply-times/ or by calling the clinic you prefer.